Three services to mark Durham’s 10th anniversary

Area ministers and choirs will help Dr. L. Ronald Durham celebrate his 10th anniversary as pastor of Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Daytona Beach during three different services beginning Thursday Aug. 16.

Dr. Shiping Bao

The celebration ends on Sunday Aug. 18 with the Rev. Al Sharpton, president of the National Action Network, delivering the main sermon.

The worship service will begin at 10 a.m. at Greater Friendship, 539 George W. Engram Blvd.

Sharpton and Durham met while Durham was pastoring at a church in New Jersey.

Durham last worked with Sharpton last year organizing a massive rally in Sanford seeking the arrest of Zimmerman in the death of Trayvon, the 17-year-old shot and killed by George Zimmerman in February 2012.

“It’s been a wonderful 10 years here at Greater Friendship, and I look forward to the future with great anticipation,” Durham said.

Medical examiner invited
Also expected at Sunday’s service will be Dr. Shiping Bao, who testified during the George Zimmerman trial. Bao, who works for the Volusia County Medical Examiner’s office, performed the autopsy on Martin.

The Volusia County Medical Examiner’s office also is responsible for autopsies in Seminole County.

Bao’s daughters, who are musicians, have been invited to perform during Sunday’s service.

The anniversary celebration will kick off Aug. 16 at 7 p.m. The worship leader will be Elder O. Kinard Perry of Divine Deliverance Ministries. The speaker for the service will be the Rev. Troy Bradley of Greater Union First Baptist Church, DeLand.

Friday’s service will feature Father Phil Egitto, from Our Lady of Lourdes as worship leader. Bishop Derek Triplett of Hope Fellowship Church will deliver the message.